As recorded in much of the news that graces the Collegian's front page, the undeniable drinking culture at Penn State presents a puzzling dichotomy of both youthful revelry and unspeakable tragedy. And alongside the thousands of colleges and universities across the country, Penn State must attempt the difficult task of regulating the behavior it has long stopped trying to shut down completely.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon recently summed up the university's finely-tuned approach to a booze-loving campus when he said, "We're not against alcohol ... We're against dangerous drinking."

The administration has long acknowledged that it can no more shut down every apartment party than it can stop students from moving an entire drinking holiday.

From tailgating to bar hopping, the culture has been around for generations and will carry on into the future. However, the administration can also not ignore when students fall out of windows and balconies, or when two drunken driving accidents occur in one semester.

However, as most of the incidents occur off campus, the university is less able to prevent and reprimand offenders as many would like.

Though they often face battling alcohol-related crimes one step behind the offenders, the State College police have done a commendable job of prosecuting those who are, or are likely to be, involved in dangerous behavior.

However much the guilty parties resent arrests or citations, not even the most enthusiastic revelers want to feel unsafe on the streets of State College.

Few students realize that while they relish the chance to stumble freely from party to party, it is the local law enforcement that is responsible for their very ability to do so.

The difference between casual consumption and behavior that puts yourself and others in danger may be a fine line, but it is every student's responsibility to stay within these reasonable bounds.

Penn State can still be the No. 2 party school without reckless accidents claiming students' lives.

While the university is charged with our education and the police with our protection, it is ultimately up to us to create an atmosphere at Penn State that is as safe as it is entertaining.